VVS Laxman wants MS Dhoni to bat in WC 2019 like he did in IPL 2018

A lot of eyebrows were raised after MS Dhoni was dropped from India’s T20I squads for the successive series against the Windies and Australia as uncertainty seemed to loom over his possibility of playing in the ICC World Cup in England in May-July. But experts believe that despite his dip in form with the bat, the veteran wicket-keeper is going to play a very important role for the Indian team in the quadrennial event.

The 37-year-old Dhoni, who led India to their second world title in 50-over cricket in 2011, is currently on a break since he was not picked for the T20I series and will only appear in the blues when India field their XI for an ODI which will take place again only in January. He played in the team’s last ODI assignment against the Windies at home where he kept wickets even though specialist wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant played – as a specialist batsman.

Dhoni still the best wicket-keeper in the world

Among those who prefer to see MS Dhoni playing a prominent role in India’s World Cup campaign is former batsman VVS Laxman. He was of the opinion that the veteran has a high fitness level and called him the best wicket-keeper in the game even at this moment. Speaking to Aaj Tak in an interview, the former Hyderabad cricketer said, “MS Dhoni is a legendary player and I believe he will have a big role to play in the 2019 World Cup. He is the best wicket-keeper in the world without a doubt, even now. He is supremely fit.”

Laxman, who himself hasn’t played in a World Cup, said if Dhoni played with the same kind of freedom he found in the Indian Premier League in 2018, he will be a dangerous force and hence a big asset for Virat Kohli’s men. Dhoni hit a purple patch with the bat during the last IPL in which he captained the comeback franchise Chennai Super Kings and led them to the title for the third time in nine years. In the process, the Ranchi cricketer hit 455 runs in 16 games with three fifties and a big strike rate of 150 plus.

“I am excited with the way he batted in the IPL this year. If he goes out and plays with such freedom, he is still a dangerous player. If he plays his natural game and expresses himself, I am confident he will be very successful in the 2019 World Cup,” Laxman further added.

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